This issue of Automation Notebook focuses on the release of the 2005 NEC. We invited Phil Simmons of Simmons Electrical Services to discuss some of the changes. I hope you find the articles informative and as always, we’ll appreciate any feedback you send our way.
-Keri Schieber
Managing Editor
In this issue of the Automation Notebook…
In each issue of the Automation Notebook we feature a section of brainteasers. These are the brainteaser answers from Issue 5, 2005 of the Automation Notebook. The brainteaser questions are repeated in black. The answers to the brainteaser questions are highlighted in red with explanations. You can view the brainteasers from Issue 5, 2005 without the answers here: http://library.automationdirect.com/brainteasers-issue-5-2005/…
1. Walking in Circles A classic puzzle describes the hunter who walks a mile south, turns and walks a mile east, turns again and walks a mile north. He is surprised to find himself right back where he started. He then shoots a bear. What color is the bear? The answer is usually given as…
+Tech TopicsApplicationAutomation NotebookEnclosures & AccessoriesIssue 5 – 2005Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlTechnical ReviewTerminal Blocks & Wiring
A Condensed Guide to Automation Control System Part 3: Design
In Part 2 (Spring 2005 Issue 4), we covered how to specify the various devices required for interfacing and controlling the electrical equipment in an automated control system. In Part 3, we will cover the steps needed to design our automated control system. The design topics will include planning by defining our sequence of operation,…
There are several types of numbering systems typically used in automation equipment: Binary, Hexadecimal, Octal, BCD and Floating Point (Real). How to use them can be confusing. This article, from our Technical Support web page, explains the different numbering systems. Binary Numbers Computers, including PLCs, use the Base 2 numbering system called Binary or Boolean….
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookData CollectionData System MonitoringIndustryIssue 5 – 2005Learning ResourcesManufacturingNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlUser Solutions
Downtime Monitoring With PLC Technology
When our company set out to design a basic system for monitoring downtime on customers’ factory machines, we were new to using PLCs and related technology. Four years later, by incorporating products from AutomationDirect, we are now able to offer our customers a comprehensive system for tracking uptime, downtime, production, efficiency, and more. Comprehensive Tracking…
RSS Feed Keeps Web Visitors Informed News comes fast at AutomationDirect. While we’d like to think that our Web sites are a daily destination, we know in reality that they are likely just one of the many sites that you visit, and that keeping up with the latest news can be very difficult. To help…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookCommunicationsIssue 5 – 2005Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLC SpeakingProductProgrammable Control
The Evolutionary PLC: Past, Present and Future
Everyone knows there’s only one constant in the technology world and that’s change – inevitable change. This is highly evident in the evolution of PLCs and their varied applications. Let’s take a look at yesterday’s focus and more importantly, today’s and beyond. Preparing and equipping users to meet the challenges of technological change head-on is…
We have added several exciting products since our last edition of the Automation Notebook. Here are some highlights about some of those new products including: DataNet OPCSoftware, Edison line of fuse products, Ethernet Communication Module H0-ECOM100. DataNet OPC™ Software Is Here AutomationDirect now offers DataNet OPC by BizWareDirect. This new software product keeps people connected to plant operations,…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 5 – 2005Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable Control
2005 DARPA Grand Challenge
“After preliminary testing of our vehicle, and the subsequent breaking of a couple of welds, we’ve come to a few conclusions. First, our steering actuator has a lot more power than we really need! Second, we never should have attempted to test the steering system without the use of the encoder feedback. And third, we…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookControl & Signaling DevicesIssue 5 – 2005Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductTechnology Brief
EN418 Directive
With compliance to code and safety regulations continually taking on a more influential role across the industry, we will focus on European Machine Safety Directive EN418. Eaton/Cutler-Hammer supplied source information that has been compiled for the benefit of our readers. EN418 – What is it? EN418 is the European Standard for the Safety of Machinery…
AutomationDirect now offers the RHINO line of power supplies, which includes several new metal and plastic-housed switching supply models. The new RHINO PSM series power supplies are industrial grade switching DC output supplies with a sturdy steel case to withstand harsh environments. Autoselect inputs for 115 VAC or 230 VAC and international agency approvals make…
The purpose of the National Electrical Code® (NEC®) is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards caused by using electricity. The NEC is prepared by a committee made up of a Technical Correlating Committee and 19 code-making panels. The committee’s responsibility is to create documents specifying code, which when adhered to, minimizes the…